Nissan withdraw co-title sponsorship of RadioShack-Trek team

Nissan has withdrawn its co-title sponsorship of the RadioShack-Trek team with immediate effect.

Last Updated: 21/12/12 3:06pm

RadioShack-Trek: Nissan have withdrawn from the team's name

The decision comes in the wake of the squad's implication in the Lance Armstrong scandal and Frank Schleck's positive doping test at this year's Tour de France.

The car manufacturer will continue to back the Luxembourg-based outfit financially in the coming season, but has removed its title from the team name.

David Reuter, vice-president of corporate communications for Nissan Americas, said: "Nissan and the management team of RadioShack-Nissan-Trek cycling have reached an agreement that provides for Nissan's immediate withdrawal as a sponsor of the team, while enabling the team to continue competing in the upcoming 2013 season.

"Nissan wishes the riders, team management, and professional cycling well in future endeavours."

RadioShack-Trek have endured a difficult season both on and off the road.

Their general manager, Johan Bruyneel, was sacked after it emerged the US Postal Service team he headed during the Armstrong era had operated one of the most sophisticated doping programmes that sport has ever seen.

That revelation came just weeks after Frank Schleck, who along with his brother Andy is the figurehead of the team, pulled out of the Tour after testing positive for banned diuretic Xipamide, although he continues to plead his innocence.

Frank's withdrawal compounded what had already been a torrid few months, with rumours of infighting being followed by an injury to Andy at the Criterium du Dauphine that ruled him out of the Tour.

There have been bright spots, however, most notably Fabian Cancellara claiming victory in the Tour prologue and the squad later winning the team classification.

Nissan was added to the team name ahead of the 2012 season after a merger of RadioShack and Leopard Trek.